ECB launches Bridges to link blockchain with euro settlement, targets 2028 Appia

The European Central Bank began allowing banks to settle wholesale tokenized transactions in central bank currency via the Bridges project, connecting blockchain markets to existing eurozone payment systems. This is a first step toward reducing Europe's reliance on US payment firms and curbing dollar-pegged stablecoins. A long-term solution, Appia, is expected by 2028, but its design is preliminary and adoption remains uncertain.